Leadership Development Conference

Gregory Heinze, CMP, CGMP, PDM is a meetings and events professional, speaker, facilitator,
and relationship builder who believes the best things happen when you bring the right people
together.
With a career spanning hotels, global sales, third-party sourcing, destination marketing, and
leadership within Meeting Professionals International, Greg brings a unique perspective to the
business of meetings and professional growth. He currently serves as Vice President of
Meetings & Conventions at Travel Salem, championing Salem, Oregon as the “Most Oregon
Part of Oregon” and helping organizations create meaningful experiences for their attendees.
Greg is also the founder of GHeinze Engagement, where he facilitates board retreats, supports
non-profit and association leadership, and helps organizations turn ideas into action. As a
facilitator, his sessions are energetic, practical, and highly interactive—designed to get people
out of their seats, into conversation, and connected to the resources already in the room.

Halle serves as the Director of Marketing at Bay State & Americanna, proud to represent the third generation of her family in the business. A strong advocate for professional development and community involvement, she volunteers as a Chef with PromoKitchen and serves on the NEPPA Board of Directors, where she founded a young professionals group to support and inspire newcomers to the industry. Passionate about social media as both a creator and consumer, Halle was recognized on PPAI’s Online 18 in 2024 and 2025. Her goal is to elevate the industry and educate the next generation on the true impact of branded merchandise. 

Arianna Johnson serves as Manager of Content at PPAI, where she develops educational content and learning experiences for branded merch professionals. With a background in journalism, including reporting for Forbes, White House-credentialed event coverage and previously serving as PPAI’s news editor, she brings a storyteller’s perspective to making information engaging and accessible. Arianna is passionate about helping young professionals build meaningful connections and grow in their careers. She also serves on PPAI’s JEDI Council and volunteers with her church’s young adult ministry marketing team. Her goal is to create learning experiences that inspire professionals to share ideas, strengthen their skills and take an active role in shaping the industry’s future. 

Kate Murray is the Communications & Public Relations Specialist at American Solutions for Business, a 100% Employee-Owned Distributor. She has been in the branded merchandise and print industry for more than two years and has a passion for connecting people through storytelling and shared experiences. In her role, Kate oversees internal and external communication strategies, helps share ASB’s story, and works to strengthen relationships across the organization and industry.  

Beyond her work at ASB, Kate is actively involved in UMAPP, serving on committees and helping launch the Young Professionals Committee. Kate is passionate about the people-driven nature of this industry and the opportunities it creates to learn, grow, lead and connect. 

Currently Director of National accounts at Hirsch, but I have more than a decade of Promotional products Sales experience with Top 40 suppliers. I have a strong focus on strategic partnerships, growth both personal and professional, and client relationships.  

Lawrence Hanley is the founder of Desk Plants, a promotional products company that has evolved from an Austin-based retail concept into a national supplier of branded plants, gifting programs, and experiential activations. Since launching in 2018, Lawrence has worked with companies across the country to rethink traditional corporate gifting and create more meaningful ways to engage employees, clients, and communities. 

Lawrence is also the co-founder of Team OnDemand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built to mobilize the promotional products and print industries during times of natural disasters. The organization was formed following the devastating 2025 Texas Hill Country floods, when Lawrence and industry partners helped raise and distribute over $150,000 worth of relief supplies. 

Across both organizations, Lawrence focuses on entrepreneurship, creative problem-solving, logistics, and building businesses that make a tangible impact. 

Kelsey is the Director of National Accounts at City Apparel + Merch, and a proud fourth-generation member of her family’s business. With four years in the branded merchandise industry, she is passionate about building meaningful connections. Kelsey founded the Young Professionals Group within Premier Group to help newcomers build relationships, gain industry knowledge, and feel connected. Kelsey is committed to strengthening the future of the industry by fostering collaboration, mentorship, and professional development for the next generation of leaders. 

Kate Murray is the Communications & Public Relations Specialist at American Solutions for Business, a 100% Employee-Owned Distributor. She has been in the branded merchandise and print industry for more than two years and has a passion for connecting people through storytelling and shared experiences. In her role, Kate oversees internal and external communication strategies, helps share ASB’s story, and works to strengthen relationships across the organization and industry.  

Beyond her work at ASB, Kate is actively involved in UMAPP, serving on committees and helping launch the Young Professionals Committee. Kate is passionate about the people-driven nature of this industry and the opportunities it creates to learn, grow, lead and connect. 

With over 25 years of sales experience and nearly 13 years in the branded merchandise industry, Nicole is all about helping people, communities, and businesses grow.

She is currently the Strategic Business Development Manager at College Hill, a small distributor, where she develops relationships, brings on new accounts, and manages a book of business. Before College Hill, she spent several years at a Top 20 large distributor.

Nicole is also incredibly passionate about giving back. You might recognize her as the current NWPMA President, a PromoKitchen Chef and Co-Chair of the Sous Chefs, or from the PPAI Professional Development Committee. Outside of branded merchandise, Nicole also serves as a Chamber Ambassador for her local Chamber of Commerce (in Wisconsin).

A frequent speaker at events like PPAI Expo Live, CCX, and NWPMA shows, Nicole is excited to connect with the next generation of industry leaders at the PPAI LDC!

Danny Rosin is co-owner of Brand Fuel, a Raleigh-based distributor that is a proud certified B Corp. He serves on the PPAI board and will be chair in 2026. He is the co-founder of Band Together, a nonprofit that has donated $15 million to nonprofits through live music experiences. He serves on the board of A Place at The Table, a “pay what you can” café and is advisor to Gabi’s Pals, a nonprofit that empowers people with special abilities through fulfillment programming. He is also the co-founder of these social impact orgs: PromoKitchen, PromoCares, Reciprocity Road and Operation Smile International’s Student Programs. Danny was recognized with the Ted Olden Humanitarian Award in 2023. He is married with two teenage daughters and has come to grips with the idea that well-behaved women rarely make history. 

Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, MBA, MAS brings a unique blend of academic insight and industry expertise to her role as at PPAI. With years of experience in the promotional products industry and a background as an adjunct professor, Jessica has a passion for translating complex ideas into accessible, actionable learning. She is helping shape the future of professional development in the industry by rebuilding the certification programs, launching a dynamic learning platform, and curating curriculum at events that drive growth and innovation. Whether in the classroom or on the conference stage, Jessica is known for her thoughtful perspective, strategic thinking, and commitment to raising the bar for what education can look like in this industry. 

Terri Harland is a 20-year veteran of the promotional products industry, spending the majority of her career as a top-producing sales professional for a Richmond, Virginia-based distributorship. In 2022, Terri transitioned to the service-provider side of the industry, joining FacilisGroup, where she spent time in sales and partner acquisition. 
Today, Terri leads Professional Development at FacilisGroup, combining her firsthand experience as a sales professional with her passion for helping others succeed. Known as the “Professional Best Friend,” Terri brings a mix of coaching, mentorship, accountability, and real-world sales experience to developing professionals at every stage of their careers. 
Through FacilisGroup’s education programs, she helps sales professionals build scalable books of business, strengthen their sales skills, and create sustainable success. Whether helping someone get started in the industry or helping an experienced professional reach their next level, Terri’s mission is simple: develop people, challenge potential, and help sales professionals build careers they love. 

Jonathan N. Strauss is the president & CEO of the Promotional Products Professionals of Canada, a position he has held since 2018. His experience includes managing Canadian national associations and signature events for over 25 years.

Paul Wieleba is the owner of [WE], a multi-line sales agency specializing in high-value branded merchandise. A dedicated leader in the branded merchandise industry, Paul is a past Chair of the PPPC National Board of Directors and a former President of the PPPC Ontario Chapter, where he has volunteered for over a decade. Most recently, he chaired the rebrand of the national association, helped develop Catalyst, a new Canadian leadership conference, and partnered PromoKitchen with PPPC to bring a mentorship program to the association. He is currently leading a national campaign to make March the Month of Merch. His work has earned numerous accolades, including Best Supplier Education Tool, Multi-Line of the Year (with CSI), and the Momentum Award. 

Outside of work, Paul is a hockey bum, armchair quarterback, music addict, imaginary sommelier, amateur mixologist, coffee snob, and most importantly; a proud Girl Dad. 

Melissa is the Chief Marketing Officer for PPAI. She has held global leadership roles across go-to-market strategy, brand development, value creation, innovation and partnerships in a variety of industries. In addition to her roles within two different promotional products suppliers, she has also worked with well-known brands developing advertising campaigns and marketing strategies. She previously served as an at-large director on the PPAI Board from 2022 to 2024 and prior to that, the PPAI Strategic Foresight and Promotional Products Education Foundation committees.  A versatile leader who is experienced leading through successful change transformations, including rebranding and acquisitions, she’s keenly focused on stakeholder engagement with a collaborative approach.

Kara Keister is the co-owner of Social Good Promotions, a company dedicated to creating purpose-driven branding solutions. With more than a decade of experience in distributor sales and a background in marketing, she has helped position the company as a leader in socially responsible promotional programs. Her strategic vision and commitment to impact have fueled consistent double-digit growth since the company’s founding.

Keister has held multiple leadership roles within the promotional products industry, including serving as PPAI regional board president and as a representative to the Regional Affiliate Council. In 2021, she was honored as a PPAI Rising Star.

An advocate for education and volunteerism, Keister supports youth leadership organizations, local schools and organizations such as Special Olympics.

Patrick Napurski is President of IDLine, a third-generation Minnesota-based manufacturer specializing in identification products, personalization, variable data, and complex fulfillment solutions. He has helped lead the company’s continued evolution through investments in technology, automation, operational improvement, and strategic growth, including the acquisition of Conquest Bindery in 2025. 

Patrick is also active in the promotional products industry and serves as President of the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Products (UMAPP), where he focuses on strengthening industry connections, professional development, and membership growth. 

A former collegiate tennis player and competitive CrossFit athlete, Patrick brings a competitive, team-oriented approach to business and leadership. Outside of work, he and his wife are raising five boys, and much of his free time is spent supporting their tennis, baseball, basketball, and other activities. 

Born and raised in Las Vegas, I studied Law and Political Science at the University of Nevada, Reno with a minor in Vocal Performance and Music. Throughout my professional career, I have worked across retail, sales, merchandising, and customer service, building a strong foundation in relationship management, creative merchandising, and client success. 

My journey into promotional products began at Patagonia, where I served as National Account Manager for the co-branding/Group Sales division. In 2023, I joined Spector & Co. as an Inside Account Manager and was promoted shortly thereafter to Strategic Account Manager. Today, I partner with leading distributors and customers on the West Coast to develop creative solutions that strengthen brands and drive results. 

I am actively involved with PMANC, joining the board in 2024 and serving on the Tradeshow Committee Chair. As I prepare to step into the role of Vice President next year, I look forward to continuing to support and advocate for the growth of our industry and community. 

Gregory Heinze, CMP, CGMP, PDM is a meetings and events professional, speaker, facilitator,
and relationship builder who believes the best things happen when you bring the right people
together.
With a career spanning hotels, global sales, third-party sourcing, destination marketing, and
leadership within Meeting Professionals International, Greg brings a unique perspective to the
business of meetings and professional growth. He currently serves as Vice President of
Meetings & Conventions at Travel Salem, championing Salem, Oregon as the “Most Oregon
Part of Oregon” and helping organizations create meaningful experiences for their attendees.
Greg is also the founder of GHeinze Engagement, where he facilitates board retreats, supports
non-profit and association leadership, and helps organizations turn ideas into action. As a
facilitator, his sessions are energetic, practical, and highly interactive—designed to get people
out of their seats, into conversation, and connected to the resources already in the room.

I’ve spent 15 years in branded merchandise, helping companies use promotional products to connect with their audiences, tell their stories
and create meaningful experiences. I’ve volunteered both in and out of the promo industry helping produce educational, networking and fundraising events. Giving back has always been a natural extension of who I am. Building a career that pairs purpose with profession has been incredibly rewarding

With over 25 years working within the promotional products industry, Bill Petrie had dedicated his career to helping organizations grow their businesses through creative, strategic, and effective marketing and branding. As the founder and creative director of brandivate – a boutique marketing, branding, and advertising agency – Bill brings a hands-on approach to connecting brands with their audiences in meaningful ways.

Bill’s insatiable curiosity drives his creativity and ensures that he’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He doesn’t hold back; he embraces boldness, innovation, and a bit of irreverence because that’s where real growth happens. His goal? To challenge and inspire others to achieve their goals and dreams.

As a featured keynote speaker and workshop leader, Bill has been fortunate to share these ideas with audiences across the country and around the world. He has also had the honor of being inducted into the Promotional Products of the Mid-South (PPAMS) Hall of Fame and receiving the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Icon Award for Distinguished Service in 2024 – a testament to his commitment to elevating others and driving positive change.

When not helping brands make an impact, you can find him in his backyard, affectionately known as The Back Forty, likely smoking something delicious on the grill, mixing up craft cocktails, and enveloping himself in great music. He also loves spending time with his wife of 30 years, Sandy, their red tick coonhound, Shelby, and their twin college-aged sons, Drew and Mitch – who tend to pop in when they are broke, hungry, have nothing clean to wear, or all of the above.

Kate Alavez is President of PromoShop, Inc., where she leads organizational change and transformation with a focus on people, technology, and sustainable practices – building cultures where teams can do their best work.
A two-time Counselor Power 50 honoree and 2024 PromoStandards Distributor Person of the Year, Kate serves on the PPAI Board of Directors and holds an MBA from CSU Monterey Bay.
Outside of work, she serves as a Service Unit Manager for Girl Scouts of Los Angeles, supporting 195+ girls and 40+ leaders, runs an industry book club focused on closing the access gap, and through Our Big Kitchen LA has helped provide thousands of meals to those experiencing food insecurity in 2026.

Emily is the current Vice President of Revenue Operations at PCNA. She began her career at Momentec, formerly Augusta Sportswear, and has been at PCNA for the last 8 years, serving in various roles such as outside sales, sales leadership, business development leadership and most recently revenue operations. She resides in Houston with her partner and two dogs, and they enjoy road trips to the beach, fishing and traveling to Major League baseball parks across the country.

Alicia Hay Matthai is the owner of Haymaker Promotions, LLC, a promotional products company she started in 2017. She first got into promo in 2010 while walking down a lake path in New Hampshire and learning about drop shipping shirts. Her knowledge has expanded! 

A Chef and Treasurer of PromoKitchen, Alicia thrives on the collaborative spirit that defines the promotional industry, where mentorship flows freely, ideas are shared generously, and camaraderie fuels creativity. 

She is a former president of the Washington and Lee Alumni Board and currently sits on the President’s Council at Washington College. Alicia has also volunteered extensively in the community. 

Her other passions include golf and traveling. She keeps trying to get out on the course more, but the traveling keeps getting in the way! 

Outside of work, Alicia i is a wife and a mother. Her 25-year-old son now works for Haymaker. She also shares her home with a 10-year-old black lab, who likes to join the team as the office dog. 

Quinn Bui is a Content Creator and Marketing Specialist at N9ner Marketing, where he helps suppliers and distributors strengthen their brand presence through creative content, storytelling, and social media strategy. With over a decade of experience in the promotional products industry, Quinn brings a unique perspective from working on both the supplier and distributor sides of the business. He is passionate about sharing ideas, bridging generational perspectives, and helping businesses adapt to the ever changing world of marketing. Through his creative approach and hands on industry experience, Quinn believes that some of the best ideas come from collaboration, fresh perspectives, and learning from one another. 

Lindsay Bons is Director of Sales and Marketing at The Dooley Company. Named a 2024 PPAI Rising Star, she has built much of her career around connecting people and helping newer professionals find their footing in the promotional products industry. 

Lindsay stays closely involved in the industry’s associations. With UMAPP, she chairs the Connects, social media, and Young Professionals committees, and she is part of SAAC’s Young Professionals committee. She is also a member of PromoKitchen and CCX and serves on the PPAI Young Professional Committee. 

Lindsay is excited to join the Cross-Generational Leadership Exchange as a speaker and share what she’s learned from working with professionals at every stage of their careers. 

Marc Koehler, a former U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer and turnaround CEO, is
a rare blend of expertise, engagement, and 35 years of battle-tested, proven
experience in Elite Leadership, evangelizing that what the world needs is not more
management systems – it needs more leadership.
Marc is the founder of the leadership development and research firm, Lead With
Purpose, where he took the over $1M in leadership training the Navy poured into him
and distilled it down into simple concepts and skills to create leaders at every level
of an organization. Over 51,000 leaders have been developed through Lead With
Purpose’s SHRM-accredited organizational leadership consulting, coaching, courses,
and simple systems.
Marc’s experience in both the nuclear submariner service and the business world
has led him to become one of the foremost experts on Elite Leadership – a needed,
relevant, and achievable approach to leadership for this new, disruptive world.
Marc is the best-selling author of Leading With Purpose, a hands-on guide to
developing engaged, empowered, and encouraged employees. He is also the host of
the Surfacing Leaders podcast, where he tells the stories of leaders in unlikely
places and the human spirit that drives us all

Jenny Duong is the Executive Director of the Promotional Marketing Association of Northern California (PMANC), bringing fresh eyes and a different perspective to the promotional products industry. 

Before joining the industry, Jenny spent her career in public health, where she led teams focused on disease surveillance and used data to better understand what communities needed to be successful. Her role went beyond the numbers. She brought people together, helped teams understand what was happening in their communities, and turned complex information into practical action. 

Today, she brings that same leadership approach to PMANC. While the industry may be different, the foundation of her work remains the same: listen to the community, understand what people need, bring the right people together, and create opportunities for them to succeed. 

Being newer to the promotional products industry also allows Jenny to bring fresh eyes to her role. She is naturally curious, asks questions, and looks at why things are done a certain way. She believes strong leadership comes from understanding people, being willing to see things differently, and helping a community move forward together. 

Jessica Gibbons-Rauch, MBA, MAS brings a unique blend of academic insight and industry expertise to her role as at PPAI. With years of experience in the promotional products industry and a background as an adjunct professor, Jessica has a passion for translating complex ideas into accessible, actionable learning. She is helping shape the future of professional development in the industry by rebuilding the certification programs, launching a dynamic learning platform, and curating curriculum at events that drive growth and innovation. Whether in the classroom or on the conference stage, Jessica is known for her thoughtful perspective, strategic thinking, and commitment to raising the bar for what education can look like in this industry. 

Tami Adams is the founder of TA Speakers Management, a boutique, women-owned keynote speakers agency representing high-impact professional speakers across North America. With over a decade working alongside professional keynote speakers, Tami brings a rare, behind-the-scenes understanding of what makes a talk truly work—both on stage and in the room. 

Known for her dynamic, high-energy presence, sharp stage instincts, and understanding of audience psychology, Tami blends the perspectives of event planners, speaker agents, and the real-world realities speakers face when delivering under pressure. She also coaches aspiring and professional speakers to strengthen their message, presence, and impact. 

Passionate, approachable, and deeply invested in helping people succeed, Tami creates supportive spaces where people feel challenged, encouraged, and capable. Her mission is simple: to turn ideas into impact and voices into experiences audiences remember. 

Ellen Tucker, CAE, MAS, is the Vice President of Revenue and Expositions at PPAI and has been with the Association for over 10 years.  She spearheads PPAI’s entire revenue stream, oversees professional development initiatives and orchestrates the industry’s largest trade show, The PPAI Expo.

Jodie Schillinger, MAS is Executive Vice President of Maple Ridge Farms, one of the branded merchandise industry’s most recognized and trusted brands in experiential food gifting, hospitality, and human-centered connection.  She has helped shape the company’s vision, culture, and growth while redefining how brands create meaningful experiences that resonate far beyond the moment. 

2026 ASI Woman of Distinction, Jodie is known for blending strategy, operational excellence, innovation, and heart. She has served on numerous PPAI volunteer committees throughout her career and currently serves on PPAI’s Regional Relations Committee (RRC). 

A passionate advocate for leadership through humanity, Jodie’s work explores the intersection of leadership, culture, resilience, creativity, and transformation. Beyond business, she is the founder of The Raw Raven Collective, where mindfulness, movement, breathwork, yoga and nature-based experiences inspire deeper self-leadership, presence, and connection. 

Underlying her work is a guiding belief: we are human first. The strongest organizations understand that business growth and human growth are not separate pursuits; they are one and the same. Whether in business, leadership, or community, the work is ultimately about people. Building people is the work. Everything else grows from there. 

Halle serves as the Director of Marketing at Bay State & Americanna, proud to represent the third generation of her family in the business. A strong advocate for professional development and community involvement, she volunteers as a Chef with PromoKitchen and serves on the NEPPA Board of Directors, where she founded a young professionals group to support and inspire newcomers to the industry. Passionate about social media as both a creator and consumer, Halle was recognized on PPAI’s Online 18 in 2024 and 2025. Her goal is to elevate the industry and educate the next generation on the true impact of branded merchandise. 

Jenna Quaranta (JQ) is HPG’s Director of Sales Training & Development, a business coach with a fitness background, and creator of the proprietary Field Sales Method (FSM) for the branded merchandise industry. 

With more than a decade on both the supplier and distributor sides, Jenna teaches sales from real-world experience—not theory. Her focus is helping sales professionals prospect smarter, identify gaps, re-engage customers, negotiate with confidence, and turn relationships into measurable revenue. Jenna is focused on raising the standard of sales education across the industry. 

With over 25 years of sales experience and nearly 13 years in the branded merchandise industry, Nicole is all about helping people, communities, and businesses grow.

She is currently the Strategic Business Development Manager at College Hill, a small distributor, where she develops relationships, brings on new accounts, and manages a book of business. Before College Hill, she spent several years at a Top 20 large distributor.

Nicole is also incredibly passionate about giving back. You might recognize her as the current NWPMA President, a PromoKitchen Chef and Co-Chair of the Sous Chefs, or from the PPAI Professional Development Committee. Outside of branded merchandise, Nicole also serves as a Chamber Ambassador for her local Chamber of Commerce (in Wisconsin).

A frequent speaker at events like PPAI Expo Live, CCX, and NWPMA shows, Nicole is excited to connect with the next generation of industry leaders at the PPAI LDC!

Ben is a sales professional with 5.5 years of experience on the supplier side of the promotional products industry, currently as a Strategic Account Rep for Charles River Apparel. His career began immediately after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa, where he studied Marketing and Sales Management. Throughout his career, Ben has developed a strong understanding of the Branded Merch space while building relationships with clients and colleagues on each side of the industry. At 27 years old, he brings a fresh perspective, industry experience, and a passion for helping customers find creative solutions that drive their business forward.